take possession. This means to occupy the land completely, something more than the initial conquest (1:11, 15; 13:1; 21:43). It is an act of obedient faith because it is based on the promise of God (1:11 note), hence the note of rebuke in Joshua’s question.

the Lord, the God of your fathers. This is an allusion to the promises to the fathers (1:1–9 note).